Boeing has completed the review and analysis of the static test that was conducted November 30 to validate the side-of-body modification made to the 787 Dreamliner.
Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program confirmed that the static test review as well as final gauntlet testing has been completed satisfactorily.
“I am happy to report that the program has validated the airplane structure for the 787 Dreamliner,”
“We are very pleased with the results of this final functional testing. With the successful completion of static testing and this functional testing, our focus now moves to first flight.”
During the test on the 787 Dreamliner static test airframe, the wing and trailing edges of the airframe were subjected to their limit load — the highest loads expected to be seen in service. The limit-load test was required to clear the airplane for first flight. The 787 team has completed modifications on the first three flight-test airplanes and the full-scale static test airplane.
First flight of the 787 Dreamliner is expected to occur sometime during this month.
Breaking news update
Boeing has officially opened up its first flight window from December 15, 10:00.
Thanks to Jon Ostrower – Flightblogger